Blackfeet workers headed to New Orleans for jobsFriday, September 16, 2005

Thirty men from the Blackfeet Nation of Montana left for New Orleans on Thursday to build emergency shelters needed for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

The men, mostly seasonal firefighters, will join 12 other Blackfeet workers who are already in the devastated city. The project manager for a private company specifically asked for more tribal workers, the manager of the Blackfeet Nation's labor and contract management service said.

The workers will spend 12 weeks in New Orleans where they are expected to earn upwards of $18,000. They will come back around Christmas.

National tribal organizations are raising money to help the tribes affected by Katrina. Donations for the National Congress of American Indians fund can be sent to the National Congress of American Indians 1301 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036.